Nagpur: The death of a morning walker, allegedly knocked down by a speeding car driven by a drunk motorist on Sunday, has exposed a dangerous reality in the city – for many residents, a simple walk often means risking their lives.Encroached footpaths, illegal parking, and the absence of dedicated walking spaces force hundreds of residents onto busy roads every morning, leaving them vulnerable to speeding and inattentive motorists.Union minister Nitin Gadkari has raised the issue on several occasions, but little has changed on the ground. Many residential areas lack usable footpaths or walking tracks, while available open spaces are often inadequate or too far from homes.“There is hardly any proper space to walk in our area. Every morning, around 100 people are forced onto the road, while many travel 1-2 km from home just to find a suitable place. Walking alongside traffic is unsafe,” said Samyak Ganvir, a resident of Swagat Nagar, New Narsala Road.The problem is equally visible in Ajni and adjoining areas. “There is no dedicated walking space near us. On Sundays, 300-400 people can be seen walking on the roads. Even where gardens exist, they often remain closed, and grounds are poorly maintained. This forces people onto the roads and puts their safety at risk,” said Sparsh Besekar, a resident of the Ajni Police Station-Tukdoji Putla area.Citizens say footpaths and walking tracks rarely stay accessible. Encroachments, parked vehicles, and other obstructions push pedestrians onto carriageways, effectively turning roads into makeshift walking tracks.“Pedestrian space has always remained a distant dream in Nagpur. No matter how many tracks or footpaths are built, someone encroaches on them and stays for good. Eviction drives achieve little. Jogging on the road while staying alert enough to avoid being hit is the only option,” said Sakhi Paradkar, a resident of Manish Nagar.
